His television specials and series have been the highest rated programming in Comedy Central history, his DVD sales have reached seven million units, his videos have received a half a billion views on You Tube, and his live concerts have become mega-events played in front of sold-out arenas worldwide.

No wonder Time Magazine wrote that he is "the most popular comedian in the United States" and Forbes named him to its Celebrity 100 list of most powerful entertainers three years running.